18 More Dead, 1,377 New Coronavirus Cases: Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County reported its largest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases — for the second day in a row.

The number of new cases reported Thursday in Riverside County jumped by 1,377 to 23,334. The previous one-day high was reported Wednesday with 856 new cases.

The number of people who have recovered from the virus now stands at 9,246.

The death toll also spiked Thursday by 18 people, bringing the county's COVID-19 tally to 533 dead due to COVID-19 complications.

While Wednesday saw a decrease in hospitalizations, Thursday saw a slight uptick. Seven patients were hospitalized, bringing the total to 513. Of those patients, 117 are in ICU, which is a drop of five patients since Wednesday's reporting.

The latest county health figures show seven patients from Imperial County and eight prison inmates are currently hospitalized in Riverside County due to COVID-19 complications.

The number of COVID-19 tests conducted countywide rose to 272,981, up by 4,368 since Wednesday's reporting. The county's positivity rate is hovering at just under 16%.

Other COVID-19 news in Riverside County:

—The County Administrative Center in downtown Riverside and other county buildings will close to the public starting next week, officials said Wednesday, citing an uptick in coronavirus infections and a spike in hospitalizations associated with COVID-19. Read more here.

—Riverside County health officials are asking coronavirus patients to provide critically needed information when they are contacted by health investigators working to slow the spread of COVID-19, but there has been resistance. “Unfortunately, in many cases, the person who is contacted is not providing the information that is being sought,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of Riverside County Public Health. “This information is critical as we work to slow and eventually stop the spread of coronavirus. It is understandable that patients may be reluctant to discuss sensitive issues, but it is very important that this information is provided.”

Saruwatari emphasized the information that is gathered is not shared with other governmental agencies or with those who are contacted by case investigators. Health officials have used the same techniques for years while investigating health issues like tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases.

—Riverside County remains on a state watchlist due to its increasing COVID-19 infections. As a result, a ban on indoor operations at restaurants, wineries, family entertainment centers, cardrooms, theaters, zoos museums has been mandated countywide. The forced closures are expected to last at least two more weeks — longer if infections and hospitalizations continue rising, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Bars are also ordered closed.